Milia is often mixed up with whiteheads because they are both small white textured bumps that arise on the skin. Milia usually show up around the eye area, and it looks like they are filled with pus and ready to pop. They can be pesky to get rid of too.
According to Healthline, “milia develop when skin flakes become trapped under the surface of the skin, or when keratin builds up and gets trapped.” Keratin is a protein that is naturally found in our hair and nails, but you don’t want to produce too much.
Whatever you do, avoid picking at milia. Because they look like whiteheads, they can look tempting to pop. However, picking at milia can cause scarring or infections, so avoid it at all costs.
Thankfully, milia doesn’t have to be difficult to get rid of, and with the right ingredients or products, you can reduce its appearance in no time! Eye creams are a wonderful product to help combat milia because they are potent and hydrating for the eyes.
What are the best eye creams for milia? The best eye creams for milia should contain ingredients that will gently exfoliate the skin to reduce milia and bring new cells to the surface. These eye creams should keep the eyes hydrated and youthful.
So if you’re ready to rid your eyes of milia forever, then keep reading to find the ingredients to fight milia, how to choose an eye cream, and our suggestions for the absolute best eye creams for milia.
Eye Cream Ingredients To Treat Milia
AHAs/BHAs
Chemical exfoliants will eliminate dead skin cells from the skin’s surface so that there is less of a chance for them to get trapped and turn into milia. They will also promote skin cell renewal to reveal an even and texture-free complexion.
Retinol
Retinol is the king of anti-aging ingredients because not only will it help turn back the clock, but it can treat a wide variety of skin concerns. For example, it can reduce the appearance of milia, acne, and more. It will also promote skin cell renewal.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B that offers numerous benefits to the skin. It can also even out the skin tone, reduce discoloration, and keep oil production at bay, which can all help reduce the appearance of milia.
It’s especially helpful if you’re guilty of picking at milia and are left with scarring or discoloration.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is necessary to implement in your routine, especially when using chemical exfoliants or Retinol. Those ingredients can increase your sensitivity to the sun and lead to irritation, sun damage, and inflamed skin if not protected.
Sunscreen on its own can also reduce irritation that can amplify milia in the first place. It will also combat various signs of aging and texture issues.
Best Eye Creams For Milia
| Rank | Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Roche Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream | Treats acne and milia, retinol |
| 2. | Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 | SPF 15, reduces puffy eyes, vegan |
| 3. | Colorescience Total Eye 3-In-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy | SPF 35, 4 shades, conceals dark circles |
| 4. | Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Eye Sleeping Mask | Niacninamide/cofeeberry/avocado/retinol |
| 5. | Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream | AHA, promotes cell renewal, vitamin B5 |
| 6. | Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide Firming Eye Cream | Ceramides, vitamin C, retinol |
| 7. | AJA Beauty Caffeine Eye Cream | Matcha, vegan, cruelty-free, AHAs |
| 8. | First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream | Brightening, smoothing, fades discoloration |
| 9. | LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream | Provitamin A, combats signs of aging |
1. La Roche Posay Redermic R Eyes Retinol Eye Cream
Retinol is one of the best skin care ingredients because it combats various signs of aging and treats multiple skin concerns like acne and milia.
La Roche Posay is a skincare brand recognized and loved by dermatologists internationally.
La Roche Posay formulated this cream with pure retinol, retinol booster complex, and caffeine to promote a healthy and youthful eye area.
Retinol will encourage cell renewal and bring new skin to the surface, which can also help reduce milia.
La Roche Posay recommends using this cream only at night to achieve the best results. They also state to use it before your moisturizer to get the most benefits. Lastly, don’t forget to apply your sunscreen daily in the mornings.
The effectiveness of retinol can be diminished by the sun if you don’t apply sunscreen. This can also lead to further irritation around the eyes, and milia won’t fade away easily. Sunscreen will also combat aging and reduce milia.
So, if you’re looking for a dermatologist-approved eye cream to treat milia, check out this one from La Roche Posay. Massage a small amount around the orbital bone, and you’ll be good to go!
2. Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15
Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care SPF 15 is a gorgeous eye cream that can be worn during the day.
A majority of eye creams will contain retinol or AHAs/BHAs that will increase sensitivity towards the sun. However, this eye cream has SPF 15.
Opting for an eye cream that has sunscreen will not only protect you against the sun, but it can help reduce the appearance of milia too. However, because this eye cream only has SPF 15, it will be wise to layer it with SPF 30-50 for better protection.
You’ll want that extra protection because this eye cream is still formulated with gentle AHAs, so SPF 15 won’t be enough. Also, remember to reapply! Dermalogica’s Total Eye Care will conceal dark circles and prevent further UV Damage on the skin.
Dermaologica claims this eye cream is Chemical-free, has optical light diffusers, and reduces puffy eyes or minor signs of aging. Dermalogica recommends applying a small amount of this cream in the morning and after cleansing.
This product is formulated without yucky ingredients like gluten or parabens, and it’s a vegan and cruelty-free formula.
3. Colorescience Total Eye 3-In-1 Anti-Aging Renewal Therapy
Sometimes you want to keep things simple and stick to the basics. With Colorescience’s Total eye 3-in-1 Eye Cream, you can do just that!
This is the perfect daily eye cream to invest in because it has SPF 35 and nurtures the skin.
Sunscreen is a powerful product to reduce the appearance of milia, so opting for a high-quality mineral sunscreen will keep your eye area protected.
This cream will combat various signs of aging, and it might even be able to replace your concealer.
This eye cream is available in four shades and will provide coverage to conceal dark circles. It is also an excellent product to prep the skin for makeup applications. Colorescience states the cooling applicator will reduce puffy eyes.
While it does cost a pretty penny, a little goes a long way with this product. Colorescience recommends dispensing half a pump and dot gently under both of your eyes. Then, use your fingers to pat the cream evenly into the skin.
Now, your eye area will be fully protected from the sun, and you’ll prevent sun damage. It will slowly help milia fade over time.
4. Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Eye Sleeping Mask
Glow Recipe’s Avocado Melt Eye Sleeping Mask, Eye Cream hybrid will reduce the appearance of milia and create a youthful eye area.
Glow Recipe is a delicious Korean skincare brand offering fruity solutions to your biggest skin concerns.
This eye mask/cream will be the last step in your night routine so you can smooth out texture and add hydration.
This eye cream has a blend of yummy ingredients like avocado, niacinamide, coffeeberry, and encapsulated retinol.
Coffeeberry and retinol will combat signs of aging and help promote cell renewal. It’s crucial to gently exfoliate and bring new skin to the surface when treating milia. Meanwhile, avocado and niacinamide will hydrate and even out your complexion.
Glow recipe recommends applying this eye cream nightly and around the orbital bone. Because this product contains retinol, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen daily to ensure you don’t cause unnecessary damage or irritation around your eyes.
Sunscreen can also help slowly diminish the appearance of milia. This eye mask is free of yucky ingredients like sulfates, parabens, dyes, and more. It’s also a vegan and cruelty-free product.
5. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream
Neutrogena is a staple brand to have in any skincare routine. They offer high-quality formulas at an affordable price point. Eye creams are generally expensive, but Neutrogena has an immaculate AHA eye cream for every budget.
AHAs are chemical exfoliants that will gently eliminate dead skin and promote cell renewal.
AHAs are a great way to treat milia because they can reduce keratin production. This cream also has other skin-loving ingredients.
Neutrogena formulated this eye cream with vitamin A and pro-vitamin B5 along with AHAs. Together, these ingredients will exfoliate the eye area, reduce the appearance of milia and aging, and help retain moisture. So, say hello to youthful under eyes!
This cream will be a great addition to your night routine. However, AHAs will increase your sensitivity to the sun, so apply sunscreen daily and avoid using this cream in the mornings. Applying a pea-sized amount to the eye area will give the best results.
The Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Eye Cream is dermatologist-recommended, ophthalmologist-tested, and fragrance-free. Neutrogena also states that this cream is safe for contact lens wearers who want to firm the under eyes.
6. Paula’s Choice Clinical Ceramide Firming Eye Cream
Paula’s Choice is the skincare community’s most loved brand, and if you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve seen their product before.
Paula’s Choice offers high-quality and well-thought-out formulas and educational sources for anyone who wants to learn about skincare.
Their Clinical Ceramide Firming Eye Cream will combat signs of aging while also keeping your skin barrier happy with the use of ceramides.
This eye cream contains a beautiful blend of skincare ingredients that will reduce the appearance of milia.
You’ll find that this cream contains five ceramides for hydration, retinol to reduce signs of aging and milia, and vitamin C to keep the skin tone bright and even. This cream also has CollagenSupport Complex and skin-firming peptides.
Paula’s Choice recommends using this cream 1-2 times a day and following it up with SPF 30 or higher in the mornings. Sunscreen will allow the retinol to do its magic without creating further irritation. This cream will suit all skin types.
They also state to pat the product gently around the orbital bone for the best results!
7. AJA Beauty Caffeine Eye Cream
This anti-aging eye cream from AJA Beauty is almost good enough to eat.
The Caffeine Eye Cream contains powerful ingredients that help treat milia while keeping your eye area youthful. This cream is jam-packed with antioxidants.
You’ll find that this eye cream contains a blend of matcha green tea, arabica coffee, vitamins C and B, avocado, and many others.
AJA Beauty states this caffeine Eye cream contains collagen peptides and AHAs to promote radiance.
We mentioned earlier that AHAs are an excellent component to have in skincare to exfoliate to skin and slowly fade away milia, discoloration, and dull skin tones. This antioxidant blend will fight environmental aggressors or free radicals.
Together, you’ll be able to treat milia while still keeping a youthful and healthy complexion around the eyes. AJA Beauty states that this cream is fragrance-free, paraben-free, vegan, cruelty-free, and has nutritional components.
AJA Beauty recommends applying a small amount of this cream daily and massaging it until it’s fully absorbed. Also, layer it with sunscreen during the day because this contains AHAs. It can also be used at night.
8. First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream
First Aid Beauty has many cult-classic products in its line. They are mostly known for their gentle formulas that cater to sensitive skin.
For example, the Eye Duty Niacinamide Brightening Cream will keep your under eyes smooth and hydrated.
Like the Colorescience eye cream, this one from First Aid Beauty will also add a slight tint and coverage to the eye area.
This will help conceal the appearance of dark circles and milia, while its superhero ingredients promote healthy cell renewal.
Niacinamide is another popular ingredient that helps create an even skin tone. So, it can also help reduce the appearance of milia and other textured areas around the eyes. It can even help fade the look of discoloration, so you look awakened.
You’ll also find this formula contains pumpkin seed extract to reduce puffiness, sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, and caffeine to promote an even complexion.
First Aid Beauty recommends applying this cream after cleansing and around the orbital eye bone. It’s a beautiful cream to have for the eyes if you already have a separate chemical exfoliator or Retinol treating your milia.
9. LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream
LilyAna Naturals has developed an eye cream with an advanced botanical formula that everyone will love.
It’s formulated to keep all skin types in mind, even sensitive skin or reactive skin. It also has all-natural and vegan ingredients.
LilyAna formulated this cream with provitamin A, B5, C, E, rosehip seed oil, rosemary leaf extract, and hibiscus flower.
You can wear this cream day or night, but layer sunscreen in the morning due to the presence of provitamin A.
Provitamin A will promote skin cell renewal to reduce texture complications like milia. Meanwhile, the other blend of ingredients will keep the skin hydrated, brightened, and protected, so you’ll never have to deal with crusty under eyes ever again!
The LilyAna Naturals Eye Cream will combat various signs of aging like sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and more. You can use this cream twice a day and dab a small amount of the cream around the eyes until it’s fully absorbed.
You won’t find any questionable ingredients like artificial fragrance, gluten, parabens, SLS, SLES, and more.
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